Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Oommen Chandy inaugurated the Annual Convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators at Le Meridien, Kochi (Kerala) in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India Prof. K.V. Thomas, , Hon’ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, Shri K.C. VENUGOPAL, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Kerala Shri P. Anil Kumar, Additional Director General (Tourism) Govt. of India. Mrs. Usha Sharma, Shri.Vijayan Thomas,Chairman KTDC, Shri Suman Billa, Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, Shri S. Harikishore, Director of Tourism, and host of other senior centre and state government of officials from various ministries, IATO officials, Media members, invited guests and delegate from India and overseas.
The event started with lighting of lamp-by Hon’ble Chief Minister and distinguished guests. In his welcomes address, Mr. Arun Anand, Chairman IATO 29th
Convention profusely thanked Hon’ble Chief Minister for his gracious presence and inspite of his busy schedule he could spare some time to be with us and agreed to inaugurate IATO Annual Convention. He also briefly introduced the IATO programme for the convention with the request for everybody’s active participation in various events for the Convention. He specially mentioned about value additions like IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, Auction wall to raise funds for charity and very thought provoking business sessions.
In the presidential address, Mr. Subhash Goyal, President, IATO talked about the reasons to have this year’s convention theme “Indian Tourism “Innovations and Partnerships” and the bottleneck areas which are negatively impacting the tourism industry. He also mentioned that Indian Tourism needs special efforts to have visa relaxation, improved infrastructure, look for new markets like Brazil and Africa etc. Air connectivity and budget hotels are the need of the hour to make India competitive. He also talked about the progress made by Kerala Tourism sector under the leadership of dynamic Chief Minister of the state Shri Oommen Chandy and how happy IATO members are happy to have the partnerships with Kerala government and the travel trade in Kerala. He also reiterated that only “Tourism alone can solve India’s problems of Foreign Exchange Balance of Payment, Current Account Deficit (CAD), Employment and Poverty Eradication” .
Hon’ble Minister of state (I.C) consumer affairs, Govt. of India, Prof. K.V.Thomas, also recalled how Kerala tourism prospered in a systematic manner and how it has proved beneficial state economy & employment. Hon’ble Tourism Minister (Kerala), Hon’ble Minister of state for Civil Avaition, Govt. of India Shri K.C. Venugopal in his address talked about the civil aviation policy decisions to modernize various airports in India,improving connectivity from various traffic generating markets, liberal aviation policy and open air sky to boost International Tourist arrivals. Shri A.P. Anil kumar, Minister of State Tourism , Kerala in his address talked about state Govts positive marketing strategies which have been drawn up to boost international tourist arrivals in Kerala and strong partnerships developed with all stake holders. Hon’ble Chairman KTDC Shri Vijayan Thomas also addressed the delegates & talked about the diversification of tourism products in Kerala & marketing strategies. Mrs. Usha Sharma, Add. Director General Tourism in her address talked about the new thrust areas in Indian Tourism focusing on safety ,cleanliness, infrastructure development & global publicity & how ministry has formed partnerships with stake holders & how IATO is involved in decision making process at every level.
Shri. Suman Billa , Seceratary Tourism kerala in his brief address talked about the new initiatives taken by Kerala Tourism and which were further quantified by Director of tourism Kerala Mr. Hari kishore. Vote of thanks was raised by Mr. Lally Mathews, Hony. Secretary, IATO. He profusely thanked the Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy for his guidance and for his presence to inaugurate the IATO Convention. He also thanked, Union Ministery of Tourism & the Team for the support they have extended for the convention. He also thanked Dr. K.V. Thomas, Mr. K.C. Venugopal, Mr. A.P. Anil kumar, Minister of State Tourism , Kerala and all other special guests present for the occasion. He raised a special thanks for ShriSuman Billa, Secretary (Tourism) and Director of Tourism Kerala, Mr. Hari Kishore and his team for their full cooperation and giving us the directions how to move in all matters related to holding of this convention. He also thanked all other VIP delegates including media members and other invited guests. He extended special thanks to all state government’s including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Delhi Tourism,J&K, Punjab & specially Odisha for sponsoring IATO convention in a big way. He also thanked all other industry partners who have provided sponsorship to IATO and all advertisers and trade members participating in the Travel Mart.
On this occasion IATO’s Hall of Fame award was bestowed upon Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, Chairman GALFAR (Middle East and MAFR Group, India) for his extending valuable service to the tourism and hospitality industry which was handed over by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Kerala.
Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Chapter Chairman, IATO and President Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry was also honoured for his efficient service to have constant coordination with state government and trade to make this event a big success. The award was given by Honble Chief Minister, Kerala.Earlier Mr. Najeeb also addressed members as Kerala IATO chapter Chairman informing about the activities of IATO in Kerala & how storng partnership has benn formed in Kerala in boosting kerala destinations
The Inaugural event followed by a very colourful cultural program showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
There was a great feeling of ‘Camaraderie among all present at the inaugural day festivities. “Long live Tourism Friendship and Tourism Saluté to all” echoed IATO, President Mr. Subhash Goyal.
